Loveland, CO Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Converting a garage to habitable space in Loveland is a structural alteration and a change of occupancy classification under the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted by Loveland in Municipal Code Title 15. A building permit is required, and an electrical permit is required for added or modified wiring; a mechanical permit is required for new HVAC, and a plumbing permit if a kitchen or bathroom is added. The converted space must meet IRC code minimums: 7 ft minimum ceiling height (IRC R305); light and ventilation per IRC R303 (8% glazing of floor area for natural light, 4% openable for ventilation, or mechanical equivalents); emergency escape and rescue openings from sleeping rooms per IRC R310 (5.7 sq ft net openable, 24 in minimum height, 20 in minimum width, 44 in maximum sill height); interconnected smoke alarms in each sleeping room, in the hallway serving sleeping rooms, and on each level per IRC R314; CO alarms outside each sleeping area per IRC R315; 2021 IECC energy efficiency for envelope (insulation, fenestration U-factor); structural sheathing and bracing if exterior walls are reframed. If the conversion adds a kitchen (sink + cooking + refrigerator) and a separate entrance, the result is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) governed by Loveland's UDC Title 18 ADU provisions adopted to comply with Colorado HB 24-1152. The ADU is permitted as-of-right (one per single-family lot, administrative approval only, no public hearing, no owner-occupancy requirement, no off-street parking requirement in most circumstances). Size cap: 75% of the primary dwelling's floor area, or 900 sq ft (lots <=15,000 sf), 1,000 sq ft (15K-100K sf), or 1,200 sq ft (>100K sf), whichever is smaller. Capital expansion fees are waived. If the conversion eliminates a required off-street parking space, replacement parking on the driveway or a paved pad may be needed - though HB 24-1152 preempts parking minimums for the ADU itself, the principal dwelling may still need to maintain its driveway parking. Fire separation between the new habitable space and any remaining garage portion must meet IRC R302.6 (5/8 in Type X gypsum on the garage side of common walls, and self-closing 20-min rated door between garage and dwelling).